For eight months, the March 15 deadline has hovered over City College - the date by which the school of 85,000 students had to prove it had repaired 14 problems identified by inspectors in July.

City College hasn't fixed everything. But officials hope the report will persuade the commission to at least upgrade the school to probationary status.

Mayor Ed Lee hopes so, too, and sent a letter to the commission's president, Barbara Beno.

"The College's restructuring efforts include significant governance changes and a prudent fiscal plan that establishes a healthy reserve, accounts for long-term liabilities, and invests in maintenance and technology," Lee wrote. "This makes it clear to me that we are prepared to see City College endure well into the 21st century and ensure the needs of its students."

The college still has labor disputes to settle, including a fight over whether dozens of department chairs must cede control to a few new deans. There are also pending charges of unfair labor practices after the college reduced faculty pay without bargaining. And officials still don't know how much it costs to run their 11 sites.

The accrediting commission meets next in June.

Online resources

-- To read the Show Cause report and City College's required Closure Report, go to: http://bit.ly/WmrrnY

-- To read all Chronicle coverage of City College's effort to remain open and accredited, visit: sfgate.com/citycollegeofsfaccreditation.